Growing Napier Grass in Embu
Soil suitability analysis based on Embu's nutrient profile
Embu County is a solid choice for Napier Grass, with a soil-match score of 70/100. Local soils average pH 5.1 — moderately acidic and inside the 5–8 band Napier Grass prefers, so no lime is usually required. Nitrogen (1.04 g/kg), phosphorus (12.6 mg/kg) and potassium (194 mg/kg) all meet Napier Grass's requirements, so a maintenance fertilizer programme is enough. The county's predominantly clay loam soils suit Napier Grass, which favours loam. At current prices (about KES 5/kg) and a typical 15,000 kg/acre yield, a well-managed Napier Grass crop here can gross roughly KES 75,000 per acre.
Suitability score
Soil match analysis
| Nutrient | Embu soil | Napier Grass needs | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH | 5.1 | 5–8 | OK |
| Nitrogen | 1.04 g/kg | min 0.8 g/kg | OK |
| Phosphorus | 12.6 mg/kg | min 6 mg/kg | OK |
| Potassium | 194 mg/kg | min 150 mg/kg | OK |
Recommended seed varieties
Clone 13Medium/Highland
ICIPE/KALRO · 90-120 days · 200-300 tons/acre
Push-pull trap crop; high biomass; excellent fodder quality.
Kakamega 1Medium
KALRO · perennial days · 180-250 tons/acre
High dry matter yield; tolerant to head smut disease.
Economics
Market priceKES 5/kg
Expected yield15,000 kg/acre
Estimated revenueKES 75,000/acre
Preferred textureLoam
Fertilizer prices
DAP
KES 2,500(6,500)
CAN
KES 2,500(4,500)
NPK 17:17:17
KES 2,500(5,600)
Urea
KES 2,500(5,500)
Lime
KES 1,500(1,800)
Green = subsidized · (Commercial) per 50kg bag